Author: WAJ Editor

Three Nigerian women detained in Saudi Arabia for nearly ten months on drug-related charges have been released following diplomatic efforts. The Acting Spokesperson for Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, confirmed the development on Sunday. The women, identified as Hadiza Abba, Fatima Malah, and Fatima Gamboi, were arrested on March 5, 2024, at Prince Mohammad bin Abdul Aziz International Airport in Madinah. They were accused of possessing a substance suspected to be cocaine during a pilgrimage. The arrest was linked to two other Nigerian nationals caught with significant quantities of cocaine—80 capsules weighing 900.28 grams and 70 capsules weighing…

Mali’s army announced the arrest of two individuals on Saturday, including a senior figure in the Sahel branch of an international militant group. The operation, conducted in the northern regions of the country, also resulted in the deaths of several fighters associated with the group. In a statement, the army identified one of the detainees as Mahamad Ould Erkehile, known as Abu Rakia, and the other as Abu Hash, a prominent leader accused of orchestrating atrocities in the Menaka and Gao regions. The two are also linked to attacks targeting Malian military forces. Mali has experienced ongoing unrest since 2012,…

Africa’s Bitcoin mining activity has reached 3% of the global hashrate as of December 2024, a remarkable milestone for a region historically underrepresented in cryptocurrency mining. Ethiopia, leveraging 100% renewable energy, accounts for 2.5% of this share, underscoring the continent’s growing role in sustainable Bitcoin mining. Africa’s progress has been fueled by investments in renewable energy and government-backed initiatives. Ethiopia’s extensive use of hydroelectric and solar power has positioned it as a leader in sustainable crypto mining. The continent’s mining output has more than doubled since 2023, highlighting rapid growth and adaptation to the global crypto economy. Bitcoin mining projects…

Zimbabwe’s healthcare sector is undergoing a digital transformation, with over 1,100 facilities now utilizing advanced technologies to improve healthcare delivery across the country. The Impilo Electronic Health Records (EHR) system, introduced as a pilot project in Uzumba Maramba Pfungwe District in 2016, has expanded nationwide. The system ensures patients’ medical records follow them between facilities, streamlining care and enhancing efficiency. Dr. Robert Gongora, Deputy Director of Health Informatics and Data Analytics, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to expanding digital health services. He highlighted applications enabling patients to access personal health records via smartphones, book appointments, and even consult doctors virtually through…

South African businesses and consumers are set to reap significant benefits from rapid advancements in digital technology, with innovations such as 5.5G, 6G, satellite technology, IoT, artificial intelligence (AI), nanotechnology, and smart devices promising transformative experiences. Among these developments, devices featuring holographic displays, allowing users to interact with 3D images without the need for glasses, stand out as groundbreaking. The evolution of mobile connectivity, from the first SMS in the 1990s to the advent of 5G, has revolutionized communication and accessibility. Looking ahead, these upcoming technologies aim not only to increase speed and reduce latency but also to deliver enriched,…

The Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN) has issued a cease-and-desist order to Elon Musk’s satellite internet provider, Starlink, for operating without the required license, the regulator announced on Thursday. Starlink, a division of SpaceX, operates in several African countries but has encountered regulatory hurdles in some regions, including Namibia, where state-owned telecom operators dominate the market. According to CRAN, Starlink is currently under investigation for operating its network within Namibia without the necessary telecommunications license. While Starlink has submitted an application for the license, it has not yet been approved. “On November 26, 2024, CRAN issued a cease-and-desist order…